South Asian Heritage Cymru -A project by KIRAN Cymru
Welcome to the South Asian Heritage Cymru
The South Asian Heritage Cymru is a part of KIRAN Cymru that aims to study and document the rich history and heritage of South Asia. The project focuses on three key areas:
- Historical Exploration of the East India Company and British Rule: Studying the impact, shared heritage and legacy of the East India Company and British colonial rule in the Indian Subcontinent from 1600 AD to 1947 AD. This includes examining economic and social (excluding political) changes during these periods.
- Migration History: Tracing the history of migration from South Asia to the UK, with a special emphasis on Wales, from 1600 to the present day. This involves studying the reasons behind migration, the challenges faced by migrants, and their contributions to Welsh society.
- Oral Histories of the South Asian Diaspora: Collecting and preserving oral histories relating to East India Company and British colonial rule in the Indian Subcontinent from 1600 to 1947, British and in particular Welsh officials in India during 1600 AD and 1947 AD, and migration from South Asia to the Wales between 1600 to the present day. Oral histories will mainly be collected from the South Asian diaspora in Wales and white Welsh population whose forefathers had served in India between 1600 AD to 1947 AD.
- The above would capture personal narratives and experiences of individuals and families who were involved in the history of East India Company and British colonial rule in the Indian Subcontinent from 1600 to 1947. It would also provide a valuable insight into their lives, reasons behind migration, challenges faced by migrants, and their contributions to Welsh society.
Our mission is to decolonize history by rediscovering and highlighting the narratives of those whose forefathers were directly involved in these historical events. Through research, documentation, and community engagement, the South Asian Heritage Cymru project aims to enrich understanding and appreciation of South Asian contributions to Welsh history and culture.
Significance of the South Asian Heritage Cymru
The legacy of the East India Company and British colonial rule in the Indian Subcontinent from 1600 to 1947 is significant for people living in the UK for several reasons:
- Historical Understanding: The East India Company and subsequent British period represent a major part of British history. Understanding this period provides insights into how the British Empire expanded and operated.
- Cultural Connections: The colonial period led to cultural exchanges between Britain and the Indian Subcontinent. This is evident in cuisine, language, fashion, and traditions that have integrated into British society. The Indian diaspora in the UK is significant, and many British citizens trace their heritage to the Indian Subcontinent. Recognizing this shared history fosters better cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Economic Impact: The wealth generated from the Indian Subcontinent significantly contributed to Britain’s industrial revolution and economic development.
- Educational Importance: Incorporating colonial history into education would help to provide a comprehensive view of British and world history.
- Celebrating Diversity: Highlighting the contributions of people from the Indian Subcontinent to Welsh society can foster pride and inclusion. This would in turn contribute towards the making of an anti-racist Wales.
South Asian Heritage Cymru fulfils a critical need in Wales by promoting cultural diversity, fostering community integration, preserving heritage, advancing education and awareness, empowering the South Asian community, and bridging cultural divides. In summary, the study of shared history and heritage could lead to building a society that values diversity and promotes racial equality. It will contribute towards making an anti-racist Wales.
Please join us to make a difference
Join us in celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of South Asia with the South Asian Heritage Cymru project. We invite individuals, community groups, schools, research organisations, and government bodies to collaborate with us in studying, promoting, and sharing the legacy of the East India Company and British period from 1600 AD to 1947 Ad. Your participation and unique perspectives are crucial to the success of this initiative. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, unbiased and decolonised narrative that honors our shared history. Reach out to us at info@kiran.org.uk to get involved!
Contact Details:
Office:
South Asian Heritage Cymru
C/O, KIRAN Cymru
Channel View Leisure Centre
Jim Driscoll Way
Cardiff, CF 11 7HB
Email: info@kiran.org.uk
Telephone: 0333 344 0046
Contact Details:
Timings:
Mon-Thus : 10 am to 9 pm
Fri – Sun: 10 am to 6 pm
(We are a small team and work in different locations
and community centres. Office visit is only by
prior appointment.
For any urgent matter, please ring us on office phone number.)